Magnetic frame for connecting hollow bodies
An apparatus constructed from a super elastic material and having magnetic properties is provided for joining together at least two hollow bodies. The apparatus comprises a frame having at least one magnet mounted to an end thereof. The frame is substantially tubular and is preferably constructed from super elastic materials allowing the frame to assume a first expanded diameter and a second smaller diameter corresponding to the outer wall of a hollow body. The frame can be a wire helix that allows for radial and longitudinal flexing. Frames are disposed over the outer walls of the severed ends of at least two hollow bodies to be joined together. The hollow bodies are placed into contact such that the magnetic forces between the two frames links the two bodies together in tight fluid communication.
This invention generally relates to devices that are used to interconnect hollow bodies. In particular, this invention relates to a device constructed from super elastic material that magnetically couples the ends of two hollow bodies maintaining fluid contact there between.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn the human body there are numerous hollow members, for example blood vessels and ducts that carry necessary fluids to internal organs or allow for the excretion of those fluids. The human body is often subject to trauma or other injury that may cause the hollow members therein to become severed or otherwise damaged. In such a case it is necessary to repair the damage to the hollow member by attaching the severed ends of the hollow members together. This must be accomplished in a manner such that the two ends of the hollow member are in sealed fluid communication. Adverse consequences may result from an improperly joined hollow member. For example, a blood vessel that is not properly anastomosed may leak, create thrombus, and/or lead to stenosis at the connection site possibly requiring further surgery and increasing the risk of stroke
The current preferred standard for joining hollow bodies together is by means of suturing. This method presents numerous limitations. Suturing can be time consuming because placement, suture tightness and stitch size must be precisely gauged. Surgeons must delicately sew the hollow bodies together being careful not to suture too tightly so as to block the lumen of the hollow bodies or tear the delicate tissue. Conversely, the hollow bodies may be sewn too loosely or may be improperly placed causing a faulty seal to be formed and fluid to leak. The loss of a bodily fluid presents adverse consequences for the patient. For example, the loss of blood results in deleterious effects on the patient's hemodynamics that may endanger the patient's life.
In order to overcome the dangers and disadvantages associated with suturing, various instruments for joining hollow bodies together have been developed. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0088256—Conston, discloses an implantable device for interconnecting human vessels. The device comprises at least two pair of flexible support members extending angularly from opposite sides of the top and bottom portion of a tubular connector. The supports are placed within the opening of the vessels being anastamosed. The supports impinge on the inner walls of the vessels such that the two vessels are brought into sealing contact with the tubular connector. The connector acts as a conduit between the two vessels.
Conton provides a configuration for joining vessels in a side-to-to side manner. It is often necessary, however, to join hollow bodies in an end-to-end manner. Conton relies upon the support members to impinge on the walls of the vessels. Employing Conton to join two vessels end-to-end would require the supports to impinge on the sidewalls of the vessel in a substantially perpendicular manner to the longitudinal axis of the vessel in order to provide the necessary sealing force. This could damage the intima of the vessel, result in puncture, or cause the sidewalls of the vessel to bulge such that a tight seal is not maintained.
Yet another instrument is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,543—Cole. Cole discloses a device and methods for forming an anastomosis between hollow bodies using magnetic force. The device comprises two generally ring shaped securing components that have a magnetic field producing member contained therein. In forming an end-to-end anastomosis, the ends of the hollow bodies to be joined are passed through openings in the securing members. The ends are then folded over the securing members. The magnetic securing members are brought into proximity such that the magnetic force holds the two sections together creating an anastomosis between the hollow bodies.
Cole additionally discloses a system for delivering the securing members within the openings of the hollow bodies to be joined. The system comprises a base that receives and locks the ring shaped securing member thereto. The delivery device is positioned within an opening in a hollow body and unlocked, placing the securing member into the desired position.
The delivery system of Cole is useful in forming a side-by-side anastamosis. This system, however, would not be useful in performing an end-to-end anastamosis since it would interfere with sliding the ends of the hollow bodies into the securing members. Thus, a surgeon would be required to manually form the anastamosis. A manual anastamosis procedure is complicated when the hollow bodies being joined have a small diameter, for example, capillaries. More importantly, the securing members of Cole are constructed from a material that is non-elastic. Even if Cole disclosed a delivery system that could join small diameter hollow bodies in an end-to-end manner, the securing members would not allow precise manipulation of the delivery system.
Currently, there is no apparatus, delivery system or method that can join small diameter hollow bodies together in a precise and repeatable way. The present invention is designed to address this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to the invention, an apparatus constructed from a super elastic material and having magnetic properties is provided for joining together at least two hollow bodies. The apparatus comprises a super elastic frame having at least one magnet mounted thereon. The frame is disposed over the outer walls of at least two hollow bodies to be joined together. The hollow bodies are placed into contact linking the two bodies together in fluidic communication.
The frame is substantially tubular having open ends and is constructed from a super elastic alloy. One example of such super elastic material is Nitinol (Ni—Ti). Use of super elastic materials allow the metal to be deformed and restrained in the deformed condition to 10 facilitate the placement of the device containing the material around the hollow body. For example, the super elastic characteristics allow the frame to have a first, expanded diameter for mounting to the end of a sheath or other apparatus used to position the frame around the outside of the hollow body. The frame is then slid off of the apparatus where it assumes a smaller diameter as it is disposed over the outer wall of the hollow body.
The frame may comprise a solid, substantially hollow body. In some applications it may be desirable for the frame to exhibit greater flexibility than is permitted by a solid body. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the frame comprises a flexible mesh structure. The mesh structure may be formed from a plurality of individually flexible thread elements defining a helix. The flexible thread elements may comprise wires that are interconnected to form the helix. Alternatively, a solid tube of material is cut to form the flexible thread elements and define the helix.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises a series of hoops that are joined together by a plurality of bridges. The bridges are shaped to allow for the frame to flex along in a longitudinal and radial direction. The hoops comprise multiple struts. Each adjacent strut is connected together by a loop that is expandable such that the frame can assume the first, expanded diameter.
Part of the frame may be constructed from a magnetic material so long as the desired super elastic properties of the frame are maintained. Alternatively, at least one magnet is disposed at an end of the tubular frame. For example, the magnet may be a single, substantially tubular magnet that fits over the outside of the frame. Alternatively, multiple magnets are disposed at one end of the frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of which:
An apparatus, system and method for joining together two hollow bodies in fluid communication will be described with reference to
The frame 100 is constructed from a super elastic material. One example of such super elastic material is Nitinol (Ni—Ti). Use of super elastic materials allows the frame 100 to be restrained in a deformed condition to facilitate the placement of the frame 100 containing the material around the hollow body 10. For example, the super elastic characteristics allow the frame 100 to have a first, expanded diameter for mounting to the end of a sheath or other apparatus 220 used to position the frame 100 as shown in
The frame 100 is substantially tubular and may comprise a solid, substantially hollow body. In some applications, however, it is desirable for the frame 100 to exhibit greater flexibility in which case the frame comprises a flexible mesh structure 200, shown in
In another embodiment, shown in
Member 101 further includes a plurality of bridges 116 which connect adjacent hoops 108. Each bridge 116 has one end attached to one strut and/or loop, and another end attached to a strut and/or loop on an adjacent hoop. The bridges 116 connect adjacent struts together at bridge to loop connection points 114. The bridge to loop connection points 114 are separated angularly with respect to the longitudinal axis. That is, the connection points 114 are not immediately opposite each other. Essentially, one could not draw a straight line between the connection points 114 wherein such line would be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member 101. The geometry described above helps to better distribute strain throughout the tubular member 101 and prevents metal-to-metal contact when the tubular member 101 is bent. The number and nature of the design of the struts 110, loops 112 and bridges 116 are important factors when determining the working properties and fatigue life properties of the tubular member 101.
Part of the frame 100 may be constructed from a magnetic material so long as the desired super elastic properties of the frame 100 are maintained. Alternatively, at least one magnet 130 is disposed at an end of the frame. The magnet may be a single, substantially tubular magnet that fits over the outside of the frame, not shown in the Figures. Alternatively, multiple magnets 130 are disposed at even intervals around one end of the frame 100,
A system 120 for connecting two hollow bodies together is described with reference to
As shown in
The positioning member 208 is a flexible, elongated shaft that can be placed within the lumen 16 of the hollow body 10. The positioning member 208 preferably has a rounded tip 214 to allow for navigation within the lumen 16 without damaging the inner wall 14. In addition, positioning member 208 includes an anchoring apparatus 212 to fix the member 208 within the lumen 16. In one embodiment of the invention, the positioning member 208 comprises a catheter having an inflation lumen 210 running along its length. The inflation lumen 210 is in communication with a fluid source, not shown, located at its proximal end 213. The anchoring apparatus 212 comprises an inflatable member mounted to the positioning member 208 and in fluid communication with the inflation lumen 212 of the catheter. For example, the anchor 212 may comprise a substantially compliant balloon constructed from mylar, nylon, or Nitinol.
Alternatively, the anchor 212 may comprise fingers constructed from Nitinol that expand when introduced into the lumen 16 locking in place positioning member 208. Nitinol exhibits shape memory characteristics that allow the fingers to have a memorized, extended position. Shape memory characteristics are imparted to the alloy by heating the metal at a temperature above which the transformation from the martensite phase to the austenite phase is complete, i.e. a temperature above which the austenite phase is stable (the Af temperature). The shape of the metal during this heat treatment is the shape “remembered.” The heat-treated metal is cooled to a temperature at which the martensite phase is stable, causing the austenite phase to transform to the martensite phase. The metal in the martensite phase is then plastically deformed, e.g. to facilitate the entry thereof into the lumen 16. Subsequent heating of the deformed martensite phase to a temperature above the martensite to austenite transformation temperature causes the deformed martensite phase to transform to the austenite phase, and during this phase transformation the metal reverts back to its original shape if unrestrained.
The first hollow member 220 is preferably constructed from a flexible material. The frame 100, having a first, expanded diameter, is mounted to the distal end of the first hollow member 220,
The second hollow member 230 may be constructed form the same material as the first hollow member 220. Alternatively, the second hollow member 230 may be constructed from a more rigid material that can exert adequate pushing force on frame 100 without exhibiting any deformation. In any even, the materials used to construct the first 220 and second 230 hollow members should permit sliding engagement there between. The second hollow member 230 has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first hollow member 220 forming a ridge 132. When the second hollow member 230 is slid towards the tip 214 of the positioning member, ridge 132 impinges on the proximal end 204 of frame 100.
A manipulator 224 for folding the wall of the hollow body 10 over the frame 100 is shown in
The system described above is utilized to join two or more hollow bodies in fluid communication. In operation, the severed end 22 of a hollow body 10 is located. A positioning member is placed within the lumen 16 of the hollow body 10,
A super elastic frame 100 is deformed to have a first expanded diameter and is mounted on a first substantially tubular hollow member 220,
The first 220 and second 230 members are slid relative to each other such that the frame 100 is pushed or pulled off of the distal end of first member 220 where it assumes a second, smaller diameter,
In order to enhance the tight fluidic seal between two hollow bodies and ensure that the inner walls 14 of the hollow bodies 10 contact each other, it is desirable to fold the wall of the hollow body 10 over the frame 100 prior to joining the two hollow bodies. After placement of the frame 100 around the outside of hollow body 10, the first and second hollow members are removed by sliding the members towards the distal end 213 of the positioning member 208. The manipulator 224 is placed over the positioning member 208 and slid towards tip 214. Fingers 228 engage the inner wall 14 of hollow body 10,
Although the present invention has been described above with respect to particular preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations can be made to these designs without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of the present invention. Accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention. The descriptions provided are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention nor are they intended in any way to restrict the scope, field of use or constitute any manifest words of exclusion.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a substantially tubular frame having open ends, and a first diameter allowing for mounting to an end of an elongated substantially tubular body and a second diameter for disposal over one of at least two hollow bodies;
- at least one magnet disposed at an end of said tubular frame; and
- wherein said frame is comprised of a super elastic alloy.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the super elastic alloy comprises from about 50.0 percent to about 60.0 percent Nickel and the remainder Titanium.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the substantially tubular frame comprises a wire net.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the wire net is formed from a plurality of hoops wherein each adjacent hoop is joined together by a plurality of bridges.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the plurality of hoops comprise a plurality of struts wherein each adjacent strut is connected together by a plurality of loops.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the at least one magnet is disposed on one of the plurality of loops at a first, open end of the wire net.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein a plurality of magnets are disposed at intervals on the plurality of loops at a first, open end of the wire net.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a tube.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongated substantially tubular body comprises a sheath.
10. An apparatus comprising:
- a substantially tubular wire net formed from a plurality of hoops wherein each adjacent hoop is joined together by a plurality of bridges, the net having a first diameter allowing for mounting to an elongated substantially tubular body and a second diameter for disposal over one of at least two hollow bodies;
- at least one magnet disposed at an end of said substantially tubular wire net; and
- wherein said frame is comprised of a super elastic alloy.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the super elastic alloy comprises from about 50.0 percent to about 60.0 percent Nickel and the remainder Titanium.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the plurality of hoops comprise a plurality of struts wherein each adjacent strut is connected together by a plurality of loops.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the at least one magnet is disposed on one of the plurality of loops at a first, open end of the wire net.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein a plurality of magnets are disposed at intervals on the plurality of loops at a first, open end of the wire net.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the frame comprises a tube.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the elongated substantially tubular body comprises a sheath.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 7, 2005
Publication Date: Jan 11, 2007
Inventor: Don Tanaka (Saratoga, CA)
Application Number: 11/176,081
International Classification: A61F 2/90 (20060101); A61F 2/06 (20060101);